Why unsigned code is dangerous

Running an unsigned program can be dangerous. Security warnings and error messages will pop up (showing you to be an ‘Unknown Publisher’) and that can jeopardise the relationship of trust between you and your customers.

Unsigned code can also be modified after publication without your permission - malware or viruses added, for instance. That spells danger for the recipients of your code (and your reputation too).

Code Signing certificates enable you to sign an unlimited number of components for the lifetime of your certificate. But there are variations depending on the type of code you want to sign. We’ve listed them below, for ease.

Sun Java

A Sun Java certificate enables you to digitally sign applications for Sun Java and object files for Mozilla and Netscape. The file type that is supported is .jar. The signature will automatically be recognised by Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

Microsoft Office and Visual Basic for Applications

A Microsoft Office and VBA certificate is for VBA developers who are willing to digitally sign Microsoft VBA objects and macros for Microsoft Office and other third party applications that may use VBA.

Adobe AIR

An Adobe AIR certificate enables you to digitally sign your Adobe AIR creations. The file types that are supported are .air or .airi. This signature is compulsory if you want to open an Adobe AIR application.

Apple Mac OS

An Apple Mac OS certificate enables you to digitally sign tools, applications, scripts and other codes for Mac OS from Apple. This certificate is only available from Thawte for Apple Mac OS 9 and Apple Mac OS X.

Symantec Code Signing

Symantec is the most trusted brand on the internet, and eight out of 10 code signing certificates are issued by this security giant.

Thawte Code Signing

Thawte secures data in more than 150 countries. We recommend code signing from Thawte for national distribution of your code (and Symantec for global distribution). Available for Microsoft Authenticode, Sun Java, Microsoft Office and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Adobe AIR or Apple Mac OS.

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